Portable film holder

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a portable X-ray film holder for use with a patient in a sitting position and which X-ray film holder is provided with a platen adapted to be rested on the lap of the patient and with an upstanding film holder section normal to the platen. The film holder section is divided into two parts slideable on an upstanding member and arranged to hold an X-ray film negative between them. Adjustment is provided for moving the film holder parts mounting the X-ray film slide vertically on the upstanding member whereby the film can be adjusted to a position to accommodate the patient and the X-ray operator.

United States Patent Hawkins 1 Aug. 29, 1972 [54] PORTABLE FILM HOLDER Primary ExaminerJames W. Lawrence Assistant Examiner-C. E. Church [72] Inventor: Clay Earnest Hawkins, 1225 E.

Stanford, Springfield, MO. 65804 Wale [22] Filed: Sept. 4, 1970 57 ABS CT PP 69,554 The present invention relates to a portable X-ray film holder for use with a patient in a sitting position and 521 US. Cl ..2s0/50, 250/65 R, 250/66 which y film holder is provided with a platen [51] Int. Cl. ..G03b 41/16 adapted to be rested on the lap of the patient and with [58] Field of Search ..250/50, 66, 65 R an upstanding film holder section normal to the platen. The film holder section is divided into two [5 6] References Cited parts slideable on an upstanding member and arranged to hold an X-ray film negative between them. Adjust- UNTTED STATES PATENTS ment is provided for moving the film holder parts 2,780,730 2/ 1957 Frohman ..250/5O mounting the X-ray film slide vertically on the up- 2,832,893 4/ 1958 Camardella ..250/66 standing member whereby the film can be adjusted to 3,297,871 1/1967 Nathanson a position to accommodate the patient and the X-ray operator.

9 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEB 19 2 suicuor Inventor CLAY EARNEST HAWKINS PORTABLE FILM HOLDER The present relates to a portable X-ray film holder particularly adapted for use with a patient in a sitting position.

With the advent of the portable X-ray machine which can be moved to the patient rather than the patient to the machine, there has been an increasing demand for stable equipment which would be useful in holding an X-ray film during the X-ray examination. Such a film holder is particularly necessary for heart patients or for patients whose health is such that they cannot be moved. The present invention is directed primarily to an X-ray film holder useful for taking X- rays of the upper half of a torso and is particularly adapted to the purpose of permitting a bed-ridden patient to be moved no further than to the edge of his bed where he might be placed in an upright, sitting position convenient to the portable X-ray machine.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved X-ray film holder that is rigid, lightweight and portable and which is constructed to accommodate the various sizes of standard X-ray film in close conjunction to the body to be X-rayed.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide an X-ray film holder made of lightweight yet strong material which has a wide base adapted to rest in a patients lap, and a structured framework connected thereto into which the X-ray film may be adjustably mounted and which structure might be brought into close conjunction with a patients body.

Further objects and features of the invention will be understood by reference to the following specification and drawings forming a part thereof wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable X-ray film holder unit in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view partially broken away of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the invention in use;

FIG. 4 is a front detailed view;

FIG. 5 is a side view partially broken away;

FIG. 6 is a back view;

FIG. 7 is a top view; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a variation in the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown therein a film holder unit 10 comprising a base or platen section 20 and an upstanding film holder section 30. The base 20 is a generally horizontal piece of rigid material such as plastic or metal.

The film holder section 30 is comprised of a tubular post 31 secured to the base 20. Mounted for independent sliding motion on the post 31 are lower and upper film plate supports 34 and 35 Affixed to the lower film plate support 34 is a sleeve 41 adapted to fit over and to slide freely along the post 31. Correspondingly, the

upper film plate support 35 has secured thereto a The film slide holders 34 and 35 are formed along the opposite edges to receive an X-ray film blank 49. Specifically, the lower film slide holder 34 is formed in a J-shaped section 36 along its lower edge in order to act as a retainer and slide for the film slide 49. By the same construction, the upper film slide holder 35 is formed in an inverted J-shape section 37 at its upper edge so as to define a retainer and slide for the opposite edge of the X-ray film slide 49. Thus, the two film slide supports 34 and 35 are maintained in a relatively spaced position by the X-ray film blank 49 as shown in dotted outline form in FIG. 1.

In order to achieve vertical adjustment, and as shown in FIG. 2, the sleeve 41 may be drilled, tapped and provided with a threaded screw 55 by means of which the sleeve 41 is wedged into position against the post 31. Optionally, the sleeve 45 also may be drilled and tapped and provided with a threaded screw for the purpose of wedging the sleeve 45 against the post 31.

In its most simple usage, the portable X-ray film holder unit 10 may be utilized by placing the base 20 thereof on the lap of the person to be X-rayed and the upstanding film holder section 30 into close association with the upper torso of the person to be X-rayed. The arms of that person may be extended around the upstanding section 30 as to embrace the same into close association with the chest and the film blank 49 in conjunction with the film plate supports 34 and 35 would be adjusted in upward and downward vertical movement by means of the threaded screw 55.

In order to make the embracing function easier, the X-ray film holder unit 10 may be provided with hand grips l2 and 13 on opposite sides of one of the film plate supports. As shown in FIG. 1, the grips 12 and 13 are mounted on the upper film plate support 35. Thereby, the person embracing the unit 10 may extend his left arm across the film plate support 35 to engage the grip 12 on the right side thereof and extend his right arm across the film plate support 35 to engage the grip 13 on the left side thereof. Thus, not only are the arms supported, but in so doing, the unit is tightly embraced to the patient.

In another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the portable X-ray film holder unit 10 comprises a base or platen 60 and an upstanding film holder section 70. The platen 60 is a generally flat piece of rigid material such as plastic or metal which has a depressed center portion 61 adapted to center the platen 60 between the legs of the individual using device, such as shown in FIG. 3. It is obvious that the depression 61 is not critical to the utilization of the device and that the platen 60 may be entirely planar. A pair of upstanding studs 62 and 63 are affixed to the platen 60 and are the means by which the platen 60 is connected to the holder section 70.

The film holder section is comprised of a pair of tubular posts 71 and 72 which are adapted to fit over the studs 62 and 63 of the platen 60. The posts 71 and 72 are joined by a cross member 73 at their lower portion in order to provide rigidity to the frame. Mounted for independent sliding motion on the posts 71 and 72 are lower and upper film plate supports 74 and 75. Affixed to the lower film plate support 74 are a pair of sleeves 81 and 82 which are adapted to fit over and to slide freely along the posts 71 and 72. correspondingly,

the upper film plate support 75 has secured thereto a pair of sleeves 85 and 86 which also are adapted to fit over and to slide freely along the posts 71 and 72.

Normally the forces of gravity would maintain the upper half section of the film holder 75 immediately adjacent to and resting upon the lower film structure portion 74. The FIG. 4 shows the two film holder structures 74 and 75 in extended position only for purposes of easier explanation.

As best shown by FIGS. 5 and 6, the film plate supports 74 and 75 are formed along opposite edges to receive an X-ray film blank 49. Specifically, the lower film plate support 74 is formed in a J-shape section 76 along its lower edge in order to act as a retainer and slide for the film blank 49. By the same construction, the upper film plate support 75 is formed in an inverted J-shape section 77 at its upper edge so as to define a retainer and slide for the opposite edge of the X-ray film blank 49. Thus, the two film plate supports 74 and 75 are maintained in a relatively spaced position by the X-ray film blank 49 as shown in FIG. 4.

Secured to the lower edge of the X-ray supporting portion 74 is a threaded lug 91 adapted to receive the threaded member 92. The threaded member 92 is secured to a knurled head 93 which is in turn mounted and secured for movement at the crossbar member 73. Accordingly, by rotating the knurled knob 93 in one of the two directions, the threaded portion 92 may be operated against the lug 91 and cause the lower film plate support 74 to be raised or lowered relative to the cross member 73. In this fashion, the film plate support 74, the film plate support 75, and the film blank 49, as shown in FIG. 4, can be moved in a unit up and down to achieve any position desired to be maintained on the person to be X-rayed. This vertical adjustment feature is achieved entirely by the rotary movement by the knurled knob 93 in accordance with desire of the X-ray operator.

Alternative to use of the knurled knob 93, the threaded member 92 and threaded lug 91 for vertical adjustment, the sleeve member 81 may be drilled, tapped and provided with a threaded screw by means of which the sleeve 81 is wedged into position against the post 71 in the manner as previously described relative to FIG. 2. Other more elaborate arrangements for utilizing the portable X-ray holder and further adapting it to usage are described hereinafter.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, arm rests may be provided, such as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, which will aid and assist the patient in embracing the upstanding film plate structure 70 close to his chest. Specifically, and as best shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, there may be provided on the front side of the portable X-ray film holder a pair of arm rest locks 101 and 102 adapted to slide inside the square tubular posts 71 and 72 respectively. Associated with the arm rest locks 101 and 102 are a pair of arm rests 121 and 122, respectively. To accommodate the arm rest locks 101 and 102, the rectangular tubular posts 71 and 72 are provided with longitudinal slots 71a and 72a, respectively, as best shown in FIG. 5.

The arm rest locks and 102 are substantially identical in construction and in function and their construction and method of use will be better understood by reference specifically to the construction of the arm rest lock 102 as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

The arm rest lock 102 is made up of a solid cast block 103 which is longitudinal in dimension and is provided with a longitudinal channel 104A and 104B on opposite sides of the block 103 so as to define in cross-section a neck portion 105 extending between block 106 block 107. The neck portion 105 is of a cross-sectional width, as shown in FIG. 7, slightly less than that of the slot width 72a in the post 72. The cross sectional width of the internal sliding portion 106 is made to be slightly smaller than the internal width of the post 72 whereby the arm rest lock is permitted to slide within the post 72. There is no critical dimension to the external block portion 107 and, as shown in the drawings, is of a width substantially the same as that of the post 72.

At its upper end portion, and as shown in FIG. 5, the block 103 is drilled and tapped so as to receive a threaded screw 108 at the end of which extends through the block 103 and into a wedge plate 109. Accordingly, by rotating the threaded screw 108'in such a direction as to extend the wedge plate away from the sliding block 103 the block can be wedged within the internal configuration of the rectangular post 72. In this manner the block 103 can be adjusted in any vertical position within the post 7 2.

The lower portion of the locking block 103 in the frontal section 107 is slotted through to provide a channel 111. The external sliding block 107 is then also drilled to receive the cylindrical extensionl13 of the arm rest adjusting head 116. The extreme end of the cylindrical extension portion 113 receives a snap ring 117 by means of which the arm rest adjusting head 116 is secured to the block 107. The arm rest adjusting head 116 is drilled through to receive the rod 123 of the arm rest 122. At the same time the arm rest adjusting head 116 is drilled and tapped so as to receive a threaded screw 117 which meets and may be adjusted to lock against the rod 123 of the arm rest 122.

Returning to the arm rest block 103, the external block portion 107 at its lower portion and slotted area 117 also is drilled and tapped on the side so as to receive a threaded wing screw 119. Thus, the threaded wing screw 119 extends through and engages the cylindrical extension 113 of the adjusting head 116.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the arm rest 122 is made up of the rod section 123 previously referred to, and a curved plate section 124 which is adapted to receive an arm when in a position of final adjustment.

When in use, then, the arm rest lock 102 adjusting head 116 and arm rest 122 can be adjusted by means of the various screws both angularly and vertically, so as to meet the convenience of the patient in adjustment and placement of and support of the arms for embracing the X-ray film structure. Specifically, vertical adjustment of the arm rest is achieved by operation of the threaded screw 108 whereby the arm rest lock is locked and unlocked in its position relative to the square post 72 and is thereby adjustable for movement up and down in the post 72. At the same time the arm rest 122 may be adjusted relative to the head 116 by moving the threaded screw 118. The arm rest 122 may be adjusted angularly relative to the vertical rod 72 at the threaded wing nut 119. Specifically, by loosening the wing nut 119 the entire arm rest 122 and block 116 can be rotated in the aperture provided in the locking block 107 and upon adjustment of the position of the arm rest to the desired angular position can be secured in that position by rotating the threaded wing nut 119 in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the arm rest 122 can be adjusted to any position such as illustrated in FIG. 3 to accommodate a patient. Arm rest 121 is rendered adjustable in a similar manner.

A further improvement in the structure of the portable X-ray fihn holder is a locking device by means of which the vertical portion of the X-ray film holder 70 may be fixed relative to the platen 60. Specifically, either one or both of the studs 62 and 63 which have already been described as secured-to the platen 60 may be of an extended form such as shown in FIG. 6 and have two apertures therein one adapted to receive a hinge pin 131 and the other of which is adapted to receive the locking pin 132. In this fashion by removing the locking pin 132 the holder section 70 of the X-ray film holder can be moved and rotated about the hinge pin 131 so that the platen 60 can be collapsed against the holder section 70. By the same token, when desired to utilize the portable X-ray film holder for purposes of taking X-ray films, the film holder section 70 may be extended in a position normal to the platen 60 and the locking pin 132 inserted in place thereby maintaining the section 70 normal to the platen 60 during the period of use.

Although only one locking pin 132 is illustrated, it is understood that the other stud 62 of the platen 60 may also be provided with a locking pin if so desired. Although a rather elaborate arm rest arrangement has been described alternatively, a simple shelf, such as illustrated in FIG. 8, might be substituted. Specifically, a simple shelf 135 might be provided which is fixed in position between the sleeves 85 and 86 by wedging, spring loaded pivot pins adapted to fit into pre-drilled holes or the like. Obviously the shelf could be located between the sleeves 81 and 82, should that be the preference.

It is understood that the arrangement hereof preferably is made of non-magnetic materials, such as plastics or metals of the non-magnetic type such as aluminum.

Also while various means of vertically positioning the film slide holders on the frame have been illustrated, it is understood that friction clamps might be employed as well as ratchet and lever combinations.

Thus, there are many alternative structures that might be employed in carrying out the purposes of the present invention and it is our intent herein and in the claims following hereinafter to cover all such variations and modifications as may come within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A portable film holder comprising: a horizontal base adapted to be supported in the lap of a patient, an upstanding support substantially normal to said base; an upper film slide holder and a lower film slide holder mounted for movement on said upstanding support; said lower film slide holder being provided with a lower lip along its lower edge; said upper film slide holder being provided with an upper lip along its upper edge; said lower lip and said upper lip cooperating to receive and retain a film plate, thereby positioning said upper film slide holder relative to said lower film slide holder;

and means for selectivel ositionin sa'd d lower film slide holders 51? said u siandin tifsfi n relative to said base, whereby with the horizontal base positioned in relation to a patients torso the film plate may be moved vertically relative to the patients torso and means on said upstanding support for supporting the arms and hands of a patient in film holder embracing relationship.

2. The portable film holder set forth in claim 1 wherein the horizontal base is a planar platen is provided with a centered depression for locating the platen in the lap of a patient.

3. The portable film holder of claim 1 wherein the means for selectively positioning the upper and lower film slide holders on said upstanding support is a clamp.

4. The portable film holder set forth in claim 1 wherein the upstanding support is a post secured to said base.

5. The portable film holder set forth in claim 1 wherein the upstanding support is a pair of parallel posts joined by a crossbar lying parallel to said platen.

6. The portable film holder set forth in claim 5 wherein the means for selectively positioning the upper and lower film slide holders on the upstanding support is a threaded rod secured to said lower film slide holder, and

a cooperating threaded nut moveable on said crossbar whereby the lower film slide holder is moveable on said posts relative to said crossbar and platen.

7. Portable film holder set forth in claim 6 in further combination with means for supporting the arms and back of a patient when embracing the film holder.

8. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein the arm and hands supporting means are a pair of grips secured to one of said upper and lower film slide holders.

9. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein the arm and hand support means is a shelf secured to one of said upper and lower film slide holders. 

1. A portable film holder comprising: a horizontal base adapted to be supported in the lap of a patient, an upstanding support substantially normal to said base; an upper film slide holder and a lower film slide holder mounted for movement on said upstanding support; said lower film slide holder being provided with a lower lip along its lower edge; said upper film slide holder being provided with an upper lip along its upper edge; said lower lip and said upper lip cooperating to receive and retain a film plate, thereby positioning said upper film slide holder relative to said lower film slide holder; (and) means for selectively positioning said upper and lower film slide holders on said upstanding support relative to said base, whereby with the horizontal base positioned in relation to a patient''s torso the film plate may be moved vertically relative to the patient''s torso and means on said upstanding support for supporting the arms and hands of a patient in film holder embracing relationship.
 2. The portable film holder set forth in claim 1 wherein the horizontal base is a planar platen is provided with a centered depression for locating the platen in the lap of a patient.
 3. The portable film holder of claim 1 wherein the means for selectively positioning the upper and lower film slide holders on said upstanding support is a clamp.
 4. The portable film holder set forth in claim 1 wherein the upstanding support is a post secured to said base.
 5. The portable film holder set forth in claim 1 wherein the upstanding support is a pair of parallel posts joined by a crossbar lying parallel to said platen.
 6. The portable film holder set forth in claim 5 wherein the means for selectively positioning the upper and lower film slide holders on the upstanding support is a threaded rod secured to said lower film slide holder, and a cooperating threaded nut moveable on said crossbar whereby the lower film slide holder is moveable on said posts relative to said crossbar and platen.
 7. Portable film holder set forth in claim 6 in further combination with means for supporting the arms and back of a patient when embracing the film holder.
 8. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein the arm and hands supporting means are a pair of grips secured to one of said upper and lower film slide holders.
 9. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein the arm and hand support means is a shelf secured to one of said upper and lower film slide holders. 